Introduced to the world in 1873 in a totally different context, denims have become an integral part of our lives today. What started out as men’s attire has now become a staple separate of people around the world. The term jean owes its origin to the Italian city of Genoa where the fabric was first made, dyed blue even in those days (hence called blue de Genes or literally blue of Genoa). The dye came from Indian Indigo extracted from the plant which was first domesticated in India.

Although a plethora of innovative materials are available in the market, denim remains one of the most ingenious, protean, durable and highly sought after fabrics on the market. It is one of the only items of clothing to transcend gender, age, and class - having a long and interesting life to date. The reason for their fruition has as much to do with their cultural meaning as their physical construction. On the occasion of World Denim Day we will walk through the journey of this wonder garment detailing the phases of its evolution and popularity:

1950s - The Birth of Cool Jeans

Teenagers embraced blue jeans in the 1950s when Hollywood movies introduced jeans as a fashionable statement piece of rebellion against the status quo. Light washes, cuffed denim styles and black basic jeans were the regnant jeans trends among men. Women rarely wore denim during the 1950s.

1960s - Jeans as Counter Culture Fashion

1960s gave birth to and nurtured the hippie culture. The youthful, free love movement that rocked American culture encased the most classic casual blue jean, which was representing the freedom from more structured pieces of clothing. In the prevalent decade of creative expression through the sense of fashion, personalizing the denim was considered very groovy. Embroidered bright colors with stone washed finishes and patches were just a few of the dominant jean trends at the time. Popular cuts included bell-bottom flares and low-rise hip huggers. Denim on denim also embarked its first real appearance as a fashion trend during the 1960swhen jean jackets became standard hippie wear.

1980s -The Birth of Designer Jeans

Stone wash, acid wash, and ripped jeans were some of the most in-demand looks of this decade, along with the new, skinnier leg cuts with tapering detailing at the ankle.

1990s - Baggy Jeans

Denim fashion changed itsface yet again in the 1990s, as the grunge era in fashion began. In this decade, jeans became more about slouchy, casual style than something one would prefer as a dress up essential. Multiple pockets and tabs, head-to-toe denim ensembles with dungarees and dresses were among the trendier looks which were in vogue among younger women. The rise of hip hop brought about a rise in the popularity and preference of baggy jeans, for men.

2000s - Skinny Jeans Take Over

In the early 2000s, pop stars popularized the trend of ultra low-rise jean. Denim also became a fashion staple once again, becoming an appropriation and necessity. Flare and boot cut denim were among the most popular cuts of the early 2000s and a hit in an array of washes. But the biggest revolution in the denim style story of the decade began in the mid-to-late 2000s, with the resurgence of the skinny jean as an offering of innovations in denim stretch technology.

2010s- Higher Waists and Cropped Legs

The trend in denim fashion headed towards variety, although skinnier styles for women remained the most popular by a huge margin, and are a fashion mainstay for most women, because of their versatility. High-waist jeans had their own segment of popularity.

2019 – GYMJNS

This is slated to be the next evolution in denims with features like a '4-way dynamic stretch' or an 'ergonomic construction,’ making denims perfect for workouts as well. Keeping in mind the demand for something cool, durable and versatile to match the fast-paced life of a millennial, GYMJNS are designed for the outrageously stylish fitness enthusiast. The first brand to introduce these denims is Spykar. These denims are ideal for those who like to pack their day with many exciting things including work-outs. What makes them a wardrobe must-have is their super comfortable and stretchy nature with a great fit and sporty styling.